JUSTIN Brownlee played through cramps in Game Three of the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup Finals but still delivered a masterclass especially on defense during Barangay Ginebra’s win over TNT on All Saints' Day.
Brownlee was noticeably bothered by cramps on Friday, but not as serious as in similar incidents including at the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last year. The team’s staff worked on him during timeouts to make sure the import was comfortable and rehydrated enough to stay in the game.
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Brownlee finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, but more importantly, provided the big defense plays that Barangay Ginebra sorely needed, tallying one steal and four blocks in their 85-73 win.
Two of the defensive stops came in the final stretch. He swiped the ball away from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and blocked a three-point shot from the right corner by Calvin Oftana, keeping Ginebra safely in front, 75-67.
“It’s the finals. And I think that’s where it’s going to be won – on the defensive end,” said Brownlee. “At least that’s what is proven to be the past three games. Even in this game, TNT has been playing incredible defense.”
Brownlee played down his cramps, even joking that it was because he is now 36 years old.
“No concern. Just getting old, I guess,” said Brownlee with a laugh. “Just a little cramp. Obviously, everybody knows the history I have with cramps and things like that. Just got to keep emphasizing for myself just to stay hydrated. I’m a person that sweats a lot. Even when I’m not playing, even right now, you probably can see I’m sweating right now. But I sweat a lot just naturally.”
“It’s something I just got to focus, and keep rehydrating,” said Brownlee.
The Ginebra import allayed fears of any other injury as he is sure that other players from both sides are also having aches and pains as the conference winds down.
“Being hurt at this point, can’t make it an excuse. Obviously, injury is different but everybody is hurting I’m sure. TNT, I’m sure, most of the players over there, they are playing big minutes. Rondae, I’m sure, he is playing the whole conference and playing at a high level. I’m pretty sure everybody got little aches and pains here and there. Nothing serious,” said Brownlee.
Game Three also saw Brownlee finally drain his first three-pointer of the finals, which triggered Ginebra’s decisive 17-6 finishing kick.
Brownlee though said he was not worried too much about his three-point shots not falling.
“If I miss or make it, I just got to stay confident. Remaining confident is definitely going to be key. Just try to find open shots, getting those shots. Like I was just saying, the main focus is going to be on our defense. The shots will come within the flow of the game, but the defense, that’s something that just got to be effort,” said Brownlee.
“The threes, I made one, but I’m just thinking about defense,” he added.
Even after the Game Three win, Brownlee said there is still a lot of work to be done on the defensive side of the ball.
“To be honest, I think that’s where we are going to have to be better," said the Gilas Pilipinas naturalied player. "Definitely tried to emphasize defense today. And we did a great job all around the board."
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